By Tom Barker
Shortly after someone purchases a new bow, the conversation quickly turns to
choosing the correct arrows. For safety and accuracy considerations, the arrow
should be matched to the bow and the intended purpose, be it hunting or target.
First, determine the proper spine of the arrow that matches the bow draw weight,
draw length, and anticipated arrow point weight. Spine is a measurement of how
much the arrow deflects or bends when shot. Correct spine is important for
optimum arrow flight, but even more important from a safety perspective, for if
an arrow is underspined it can snap when shot and create a serious injury
potential. Another safety consideration is arrow weight. Manufacturers' bow
warranties can be voided if a bow is shot with an arrow with less than 5 grains
per pound of draw weight. With too light of an arrow, the kinetic energy that
would be used to propel an arrow is instead channeled into the bow, damaging or
weakening it. Once the properly spined arrow has been determined, we then start
talking about the arrow choices.
There are three main types of arrows (forgetting wood and fiberglass for now).
There are all aluminums, the all carbons or graphites and the aluminum carbon
composites (ACC). The all carbon arrows are most often used with compound bows
and typically come in four spine ranges. However, there may be three dozen
aluminum or ACC choices for compound and recurve equipment with greatly varying
arrow diameters. To help refine the choices, let's consider 5 basic determinants
in choosing arrows and see how the three main types of arrows compare. We begin
with the most important categories.
Arrow to arrow spine consistency:
All aluminum arrows are the best in this category followed closely by the
aluminum/carbon composites and finally the all carbon.
Arrow to arrow weight consistency:
Aluminum arrows do very well in this category too with the ACC closely behind
and then the all carbons, which can vary considerably by manufacturer. However,
this is not always that important, since for most archers even the most
inconsistently straight arrow is still more consistent than our shooting
ability, especially at the distances we shoot.
Durability:
All carbon arrows win this category hands down with the ACC and aluminums coming
in a distant second.
Weight:
Light arrow weight is important assuming the archer wants a flat arrow
trajectory. If arrow penetration in a hunting situation is more important, then
a heavier arrow is desired. All carbon arrows normally provide the lightest
choices with the aluminums or ACC being the heaviest
Cost:
In the short term, all aluminums are the cheapest with carbons becoming more
competitive and the ACC typically being the most expensive. However, in the long
run, the all carbon can be used for many years.
So depending on what determinants are most important to you, consider your
options and make a good choice. I heavily emphasize arrow to arrow weight and
spine consistency followed by straightness consistency in my arrow
determinations. All aluminum arrows are still a very good choice but some of the
better all carbon arrows can make the switch to the graphites a good economical
choice that will keep you on target.
Shoot Straight!
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